Where did the saying, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" come from and what does it mean? Wearing "something old" represents the bride's past, while the "something new" symbolizes the couple's happy future. The bride is supposed to get her "something borrowed" from someone who is happily married in the hope that some of that person's good fortune rubs off on her. And finally, "Something blue" denotes fidelity and love.

There are various beliefs about why the 4th finger of the left hand is chosen for engagement and wedding rings. The Chinese believe each finger on this hand represents the past, present and future generations within our families. The thumb represents our parents, the index finger represents our siblings, the middle finger represents ourselves while the fourth finger represents our life-partners and the fifth finger, our pinkies, represent our future children.Let’s do a little experiment. Place your hands together and bend your middle fingers together, allowing for your knuckles to touch. When doing this, allow for your other remaining fingers to touch.Begin to pull each finger apart, individually. You will see that your thumbs will pull apart quite easily because you are not destined to be with your parents forever. The same happens with the index finger and pinkie; showing you’re not meant to be with your siblings and children forever. However, when you try and pull your ring fingers apart, representing your life partner – it’s very hard, meaning you both are meant to be together forever!

﻿I've recently met several couples who are planning to marry who have gone through the most difficult times imaginable - but have come out the other end tougher, more resilient and even more in love. As the old adage goes, 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.' So when bad times assail, battle it out, and know you will emerge victorious..﻿

Author

Rebecca Skinner is a journalist, editor and writer who is also a civil celebrant, committed to helping people cherish special moments in their lives. From ceremonies with a difference together with books of living memories as a unique memento - to writing life stories - she is the specialist in celebrating life's many chapters.